With several players returning on reserve or future contracts, including a multi-sport star who has played for the Detroit Lions multiple times, the team is beginning to prepare for 2024.
Ten players were brought back by the Lions to compete for roster spots for the upcoming season, as reported by Jeff Risdon of USA Today. Tom Kennedy, a wide receiver who has been on and off the Detroit roster since 2019, was among the group. Kennedy returned to the practice squad during the previous campaign.
Tom Kennedy Returns to Detroit
On November 29, Kennedy was added to the practice squad by the Lions, who needed some depth following the departure of veteran Marvin Jones Jr. for a personal issue. Initially signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019, he played parts of five seasons for the Lions, totaling 14 receptions for 195 yards.
After training camp last summer, Kennedy was waived by the team in August after receiving an injury settlement, according to CBS Sports.
As ESPN reported, Kennedy made a name for himself in college as a multi-sport athlete, playing both lacrosse and football at Bryant University.
After being selected by the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse in the 2018 draft, Kennedy experienced professional sports for the first time. Kennedy made NFL history the next year when he signed with the Lions, becoming the first player to play in both a professional lacrosse league and the NFL.
Following his 75-yard touchdown pass to Kalif Raymond in the 2021 season finale and his impressive performance in the 2022 preseason, Kennedy gained positive recognition among Lions supporters, as SI.com’s Christian Booher reported.
Nine other players, including safety Brandon Joseph, offensive lineman Michael Niese, defensive lineman Chris Smith, running back Jake Funk, offensive tackle Connor Galvin, cornerback Craig James, offensive lineman Mitchell Agude, and receiver Maurice Alexander, were signed to future contracts by the Lions.